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Following a third levy defeat of the 60-40% variety, West Clermont has much to ponder going forward. The community continues to be fractured along many lines, and it was on display at this month’s board meetings. The district will be borrowing from future revenues in order to maintain its current service levels, and will have to make cuts or concessions in 2013. Continue reading →

(Editor’s Note: This is a commentary on West Clermont Schools by community member Stuart Kennedy. The piece is unedited except for two small spelling changes and has been published in its entirety. If you have an article you wish to publish, send an email to scschools@yahoo.com.)

The West Clermont School Levy failed to pass by a 60/40 vote. This was no surprise since the prior two 7.9 mill levies also failed by a 60/40 vote. The school board met the day after the election to discuss their options to handle the over $2,000,000 deficit this school year and the projected $6,000,000 deficit next year. Continue reading →

I didn’t write the article, but I was interviewed for it. The author has a handle on the issue and I believe she understands my position. However, is this a non-starter when it comes to saving money? There are a number of arguments to be made in both directions, but I think my statement holds true. In a good economy, and in schools where everyone is learning at an acceptable rate, no one bats an eye is Joe (or Jane) Superintendent makes good money. Is your kid safe? Charting a course for advanced studies or has an angle on the career path once all the Pomp and Circumstance is over? Is the ACT average score less like a learners permit and more like car rental age? What else can you ask for? Continue reading →

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I didn’t write the article, but I was interviewed for it. The author has a handle on the issue and I believe she understands my position. However, is this a non-starter when it comes to saving money? There are a number of arguments to be made in both directions, but I think my statement holds true. In a good economy, and in schools where everyone is learning at an acceptable rate, no one bats an eye is Joe (or Jane) Superintendent makes good money. Is your kid safe? Charting a course for advanced studies or has an angle on the career path once all the Pomp and Circumstance is over? Is the ACT average score less like a learners permit and more like car rental age? What else can you ask for? Continue reading →

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With the number of levies on the ballot in Clermont County and the number of comments lamenting the school funding model in our state increasing by the day, I thought I needed to rehash the argument. One of the people I respect most when it comes to school issues is Paul Lambert, School Board Member -Hilliard Schools. If there ever was a person who can explain a concept or make an argument without coming across as arrogant or out of touch, it’s Paul. Continue reading →

The meeting started with a moment of silence and the pledge. Third graders are getting ready to take reading tests, and intervention will be applied where necessary. SB members will be able to get info electronically before and after meetings so they can be better prepared, and to save costs of paper, all starting in November. The Summer Program for Goshen students was better attended this summer, and plenty of help was available, and the program events were reviewed. Continue reading →

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Another summer has passed us by, filling us with anticipation of another school levy on the ballot in November. Third time may be a charm for some things, but not in this case and never in this fashion. For those who believe hope springs eternal, I envy your optimism, but will trump your pair of hearts with a full house of incapable leadership. Continue reading →

West Clermont, Milford, and now Batavia are set for November 2012. Levy season is closely approaching, and once school starts get ready for the sell. Batavia is unique of the three, as its levy is both bond and operating for a total of 7.26 mils. This would cost the $100K homeowner $222.34 per year, with the majority of that going to support building upgrades for the growing district. Continue reading →

This wasn’t a surprise given the nature of the allegation. Read the whole article embedded first and then finish the rest of what’s here . I hate the politics in it, as I honestly don’t care if he was a great guy to be around. What if this type of behavior happens to be the true nature of our education system and the leaders in our government. All the quotes state that he “loves the kids”, but has no problem fully lining his pockets to the point there isn’t room enough for any scruples. Had he known he was going to take the State Superintendent job, I wonder if things would have happened differently? Would there have even been any investigation had he resigned in April 2011 and taken the job with the Texas firm that August? Continue reading →